The Labour Minister declared the principles of ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing and confirmed its benefits for workers and the fishing sector in the long run, reaching international acceptance of Thai products with ethics and good governance.
Today (November 29, 2018), Labour Minister, H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo chaired the declaration on the ratification of ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing, 2007, which was attended by Mr. Graeme Buckley, ILO Director for Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, Mr. Giuseppe Busini, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Thailand, Mr. Jarin Chakkaphark, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mrs. Petcharat Sinouy, Director of the Department of Employment and the Ministry of Labour’s senior executives, which took place at the Prof. Nikom Conference Room on the 5th floor, Ministry of Labour. The Labour Minister said that the National Assembly passed the resolution approving the Ministry of Labour to ratify ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing, 2007. Thailand will be the first ASEAN and Asian country to ratify the Convention, a clear signal to the world that today, Thailand is committed to raising labour protection for both Thai and foreigners in the fishing sector, to exceed international standards which will boost the reputation of the Thai fishing sector. It will also be part of key measures to resolve shortages of workers and impact overall international trade in Thai seafood which currently has an annual value of two hundred billion Baht a year. This will help boost consumer confidence in Thai fishing products that are produced ethically and in good governance.
Pol.Gen. Adul explained that before today, the Ministry of Labour had heard the voices of all stakeholders, including employers, employees, society, and academia as well as all relevant government agencies, and drafted the Fisheries Workers Act reflecting proposals from all sectors. The Ministry of Labour has visited areas to get the opinions of stakeholders six times; most agree that it is beneficial for both employees and employers, and the image of the Thai fishing industry and overall fishing products.
Law enforcement in this regard is expected to start around next mid-year. The Labour Minister reiterated that it will not affect village fishermen and will apply only to Thai commercial fishing vessels of 30 tons or more, which is around 5,000 vessels. The issue of vessel structure will only impact commercial fishing vessel with sizes of 300 tons and above, and a length of 26.5 meters and more; most are fishing boats outside Thai waters. Furthermore, the Labour Minister explained that many issues are not urgent and boat owners can gradually take action to become compliant. Most of the added content relates to care for workers, employment and living conditions, and emphasizes coverage for both Thai and foreign workers in the fishing sector.
Overall, he said that the ratification of ILO Convention 188 would not create an additional burden on fishermen, as in the past, some concern was expressed. Today, Thailand’s enforcement is in full compliance with conventions (80%), including the legislation of the Ministry of Labour, Department of Fisheries, Marine Department, Department of Medical Services such as minimum working age, medical examinations, hourly rates, rest hours, crew lists, employment contracts, return of workers from overseas ports, no charge for employment services, payment of wages, suitable housing, food and water, illness care, health and safety, social security and sickness and death compensation. Many of the issues identified in Convention 188 are measures that Thailand has implemented under many agencies already.
The Labour Minister explained that at present, Thailand is experiencing a shortage of labour in the fishing business of over 53,000 fishermen. The government and Ministry of Labour has thus accelerated the implementation of 3 measures: 1) Renewal of foreign workers permits allowed to work in the fishery sector under Section 83 of the Fisheries Act B.E. 2558, for 2 years until September 30, 2020 at Employment Offices in the 22 coastal provinces which currently has 757 registered employers reporting a required 19,334 workers 2) Import of migrant workers from neighboring countries and 3) Opportunities for migrant workers of other nationalities to apply for registration in the fishing sector as fishing is often the last occupation that workers choose.
“The ratification of Convention 188 will be an inspiration for workers in Thai fisheries to be more confident in their care and quality of life. At the same time, it creates a clear standard that will baseline the understanding of employers and employees with regards to working and employment conditions in the fisheries sector. All of this will result in Thailand being recognized by the global community as having good governance and product manufacturing, no child labour, forced labour or human trafficking, which in the long run will result in businesses’ capabilities to export more products. I will travel to ratify this Convention, with the expectation of submission by the end of January,” concluded Pol.Gen. Adul.
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Division of Public Relations/
News by Chaninthorn Phettab/
Photos by Sompob Silbut/
November 29, 2018/
